Ashley's participation in CSTD 13th Asia Pacific Competition : Mulan Warriors

We have never thought of putting Ashley to any competition. It all happened so naturally that sometimes, I wonder if this is all 'fated'. Out of curiosity, Ashley joined TSOD. Without planning, Ashley was roped into joining TSOD 1 (a so-call 'dance group') and not long, took part in a dance competition. The whole practice period was short, I would consider. From end June-13Aug, barely 2 months. They started regular rehearsals (once a week) only late June. Ashley joined in July if I remember correctly. The rehearsals had been tough. All girls (except Keller) were unable to do somersault, and each time they attempted to, they fall. As parents, watching her fall hard on the ground has been a painful experience. Nonetheless, Ashley has a passion for dance and I could only provide her with my utmost support and guide her (showing her some tactics of flipping over. Well, her mum can be flexible!). After several times of practicing, the girls including Ashley made it. But the expectations did not just end there. Ms Lee expects more...not just 1 flip, but two, three and more. Soon, I realised it was through their rehearsals that she started planning for the role each girl will play in the dance. From individual dance moves, puzzle up bits and pieces, to a final piece of dance. That's not all, each phase had to be perfect with consistency, groove and jazz! By end July, the master piece-Mulan Warriors was ready for the day-13 August! Po Po, Cieran and me went to support Ashley. The whole theatre was full. I am surprised to learn that there was in fact, 3 sessions of competition on this date. 10am session for 7 years & below and 9 years & below. 2 pm session for 12 years & below, while 5pm session for 15 years & below. Ashley belonged to the category - groups, 9 years & below. As I watched the whole competition, I admired some girls who danced as professional dancers at young age. The level of dance was high (though I am not a professional judge). A total of approximately 13 schools took part in the competition. Mulan Warriors was the last category and last dance in the 10am session, before the prize presentation. I have to admit that I feel touched and proud as I watched Ashley performing on stage. I saw persistence, determination and teamwork in their dance. Their efforts were rewarded by cheers and screams from the audience, which was very encouraging. It was even more encouraging when judges announced that they have won 2nd prize! We cheered and clapped loudly. Out at the theatre, I cant helped but congratulated the girls for a job well done. Ms Lee grouped the girls as the cameras snapped non-stop.

I Am Proud of You, my Ashley baby!

Long Weekends with National Day

Thanks to the short school day on 8 Aug, I have a 4-Days break including the National Day. Since it is a long weekends, we have a fun bonding time together. We took bus rides, MRT... on purpose so to experience a different mode of transportation. The children, especially Cieran was trilled over the idea (though not their first time, but ever since I got my car, we hardly take any public transport). Immediately, they got their bus card ready before I need to go get them. Haha! We set off from home at 6pm and arrived at Toa Payoh Terminal 15mins later. Fast ride, wasnt it?! It was in fact very near from our house. Direct bus all the way... Next, we took the MRT from Toa Payoh to Dhoby Ghaurt, 5 stations away. Our final destination was Plaza Singapura, which needed some walking after we alighted from Dhoby Ghuart. Cieran has no fuzz at all, instead, he was enjoying the walk, looking around and asking me questions along the way. It has been a long while since I lasted visited Plaza Singapura, and it was certainly a relaxing opportunity shopping with children. No limitation on time, we decide where to shop, where to eat for dinner. As per children's request, we ended up having our dinner at KFC. Nothing special, but since the kids love it, I shall grant their wish. Both selected snackers -popcorn chicken, while I have my 2-pc chicken meal. For the 1st time, I allowed individual cup of pepsi. The children went wild...haha! After our sinful meal, we shopped around. No shopping list in mind, but always ended something to buy. Went in to Fox, as I am attracted by their "46% discounts"... and ended up with 1 bag of clothing when we walked out. :-p Inside, there's a hello kitty T for Ashley, Spiderman T for Cieran and a Minnie T for mum. Opps! The large sign board met the objectives! Next, I went to one of my favourite shop in Plaza Singapura, Daiso! I usually spent in this shop and I kept reminding myself to be cautious this time, not to buy things that I don't really need. Well, everything at $2 was another 'killer'... at least for me.. haha. Subconsciously, you tends to buy more items that you really need with the thought that "its just $2!' I am quite successful this time, as I only bought 1 item from Daiso. haha... and I think it was a good one. Can you guess? It's a large (real large) water sprayer for my plants. Kinda got motivated after I finally witness my orchid blooms... which I almost gave up growing. Next, we passed by Spotlight, and the kids were in their excitement. Lots of pinatas (licensed by disney) were hanging and displaying... and all at 20% discounts (for the week)! I am amazed as I never knew Spotlight sells pinatas. There's buzz lightyear, Barbie, Disney Princess, Thomas...etc. All at $36.20 before less. Hummm... tricky! After much thoughts, I decided to skip this buy. I wouldn't want to keep storage till Nov/Dec for a savings of $7plus. Moreover, I am not sure if we will be organising any birthday parties for the kids. Wise decision I felt... though I had the kids disappointed. To compensate, I suggested that we could take a bus ride down to Bugis and have ice-cream before we end our trip. This worked! The children's disappointed face lighted with glow. The next minute, we are out of Plaza Singapura, running for the bus. Bus 7 passed by and that's exactly the bus that will take us down to Bugis. Fortunately, it stopped for us and in less than 10mins, we alighted at Bugis with children each has an ice cream in their hands. Timing went well as they finished eating, daddy was here to pick us home.